What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer involves malignant growths that start in the liver, the body's largest internal organ, which plays a crucial role in filtering the blood, processing nutrients, and battling infections. The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which originates in the liver's main type of liver cell, the hepatocyte. Other types, like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma, are less common.

 

What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer?

Symptoms of liver cancer may not be noticeable in the early stages, but they can include:

• Unintended weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Upper abdominal pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• General weakness and fatigue

• Abdominal swelling

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• White, chalky stools

 

Can We Prevent Liver Cancer?

While not all liver cancers can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk:

• Vaccination against hepatitis B

• Controlling hepatitis C infection through appropriate treatment

• Avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Avoiding exposure to aflatoxins (poisons produced by molds that can contaminate stored crops)

 

How Do We Diagnose Liver Cancer?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging tests, blood tests, and sometimes a biopsy. Common diagnostic methods include:

• Ultrasound: A first-line screening tool, especially for those at increased risk.

• CT and MRI scans: Provide detailed images of the liver and help determine the cancer's extent.

• Blood tests: Measure substances in the blood, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which may be elevated in liver cancer.

• Biopsy: Removal of tissue samples for examination under a microscope.

 

What Treatment Options Are Available for Liver Cancer?

Treatment depends on the cancer stage, the liver's overall function, and the patient's overall health. Options may include:

• Surgery: To remove the tumor (resection) or transplant the liver.

• Ablation therapies: Destroy tumors without removing them.

• Embolization therapies: Block the blood supply to the tumor.

• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.

• Targeted drug therapy: Focuses on specific abnormalities within cancer cells.

• Immunotherapy: Boosts the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer.

Early detection and tailored treatment plans are crucial for improving the outcomes of liver cancer.